What exactly to you find so great about Starved Rock State Park?

[Out of Alaska]

Now darnit... I am only going to chime in here b/c I love Starved Rock - I moved from IL to Alaska and I still consider Starved Rock breathtakingly beautiful... and very accessible.

There is something to be said for being able to jump in the car, get out to Starved Rock and get some beautiful views and air and hiking within an easy distance. If ya' want to get on a plane and yada yada... that's another story.

Where else are ya' going to go in the area?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Out of Alaska

Where else are ya' going to go in the area?

Matthiessen State Park, Apple River Canyon SP, Shawnee National Forest, Lowden-Miller State Forest, Garden of the Gods SP, Mississippi Palisades SP, Galena, Illinois Beach SP, etc, etc. All beautiful in my eyes.

[Out of Alaska]

OK...OK... lots of options... fine... but Starved Rock is still up there at the top of my list! Thanks for reminding me of all the beautiful places.

[Scribbler]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Matthiessen State Park, Apple River Canyon SP, Shawnee National Forest, Lowden-Miller State Forest, Garden of the Gods SP, Mississippi Palisades SP, Galena, Illinois Beach SP, etc, etc. All beautiful in my eyes.

And White Pines, and Castle Rock, and Buffalo Rock, and Lake Argyle, and Franklin Creek, and Rock Cut, and Shabbona Lake...

Starved Rock has actually done MAJOR trail renovations for safety in the past decade or so, though, as somebody who grew up in the park. When I was a kid and even in high school, you were really at your own risk through Much of the trails. Lover's Leap and Eagle Cliff overlook used to have not much at all by way of even guardrails, let alone the sturdy plank decks and rails they have now. The Rock itself had very old, rustic steps to even ascend it.

[thepizzaguy]

What happened to my post from 7-15?

All the trails are connected, and it takes about 5 hours to hike from the boat ramp to Point Shelter and back.

It's a great place. There's even free showers at the camp ground.

There was absolutely nothing offensive published in it. Maybe it had something to do with the parking lot or the rope.